Looking for the perfect festive treat to add to your holiday celebrations? 🎄 This Traditional Christmas Fruit Bread is the ultimate holiday delight! Packed with a rich blend of dried fruits, warm spices, and a touch of zest, this bread is not only delicious but also a true symbol of Christmas cheer. Whether you let it age for two weeks to deepen the flavors or enjoy it fresh as a fruit loaf, this recipe is a must-try!
🛠️ Ingredients:
Ingredients for the Dough:
• 3 ⅔ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (250 ml) warm milk
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 3 ½ tbsp (50 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
Ingredients for the Fruit Mixture:
• ½ cups (60 g) walnuts, finely chopped by hand
• 1 cup (170 g) raisins
• ½ cup (90 g) candied orange peel, finely chopped
https://youtu.be/k4Eg_nOuckU
• ½ cup (80 g) glazed cherries, chopped
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 tsp ground cardamom
• 4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preparing the Dough:
1. In a large bowl, add the flour and create a well in the center.
2. Add sugar and yeast into the well. Pour in half of the warm milk and mix gently for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
3. Add the remaining warm milk, salt, egg, and melted butter. Mix the ingredients and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
4. Lightly oil a bowl, coat the dough with a bit of oil, and cover it with plastic wrap and a towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (1–1.5 hours).
Preparing the Fruit Mixture:
5. Chop the walnuts by hand into small chunks. Avoid using a food processor; larger pieces add texture.
6. Chop the candied orange peel https://youtu.be/k4Eg_nOuckU
7. Add glazed cherries into small pieces.
8. In a large bowl, combine the walnuts, raisins, candied orange peel, cherries, vanilla, lemon zest, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
Combining Dough and Fruit:
9. Once the dough has risen, add half of the fruit mixture. Fold and knead it into the dough until evenly distributed.
10 Place the dough on a lightly floured surface, add the remaining fruit mixture, and knead until fully incorporated.
Shaping the Loaves:
11. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a rectangle about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick.
12. Using a rolling pin, press down the center of each rectangle to create a fold line. Fold one side over the other and gently seal the seam with the rolling pin.
13. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rest for 10–15 minutes.
Baking the Bread:
14. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the loaves for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown.
15. While still warm, brush the tops generously with melted butter. Allow the loaves to cool completely.
Final Touch:
16. Dust the loaves liberally with powdered sugar. Wrap them in parchment paper and aluminum foil. Store in a cool, dry place for at least two weeks to allow the flavors to mature.
Serving:
• For immediate serving: The bread will be soft and similar to a fruit loaf.
• After two weeks: The texture becomes denser, and the flavors intensify—perfect for a holiday treat.
Notes:
This recipe produces a delicious and aromatic Christmas bread that will become the centerpiece of your festive celebrations. Enjoy! 🎄
Website: https://MiroslavintheKitchen.com
Email: miroslavinthekitchen@gmail.com
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